In 1974, a newly converted Lockheed WC-130H (Air Force serial number 65-0965) was transferred to the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, the "Typhoon Chasers", at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam. The aircraft, using the call sign Swan 38, was sent to investigate Typhoon Bess after it passed over the Philippines and continued to the northwest.[1] The crew departed Clark Air Base on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.[2]
 A Lockheed WC-130H Weatherbird, of the 54th Weather reconnaissance Squadron, in flight over the Pacific Ocean | |
| Disappearance | |
|---|---|
| Date | 12 October 1974 |
| Summary | Disappearance |
| Site | South China Sea |
| Aircraft | |
| Aircraft type | Lockheed WC-130 |
| Operator | 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, United States Air Force |
| Registration | 65-0965 |
| Flight origin | Clark Air Base, the Philippines |
| Passengers | 0 |
| Crew | 6 |
| Fatalities | 6 |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Survivors | 0 |
Radio contact with Swan 38 was lost after 22:00 on 12 October 1974, apparently as the aircraft was heading into the typhoon's eye to make a second position fix during its alpha pattern. There were no radio transmissions indicating an emergency on board, and search teams could not locate the aircraft or its crew except for a few pieces of debris. All six crew members were listed as missing and presumed dead. The Swan 38 crew members were: Capt. Edward R. Bushnell, 1st Lt. Gary W. Crass, 1st Lt. Michael P. O'Brien, 1st Lt. Timothy J. Hoffman, Tech. Sgt. Kenneth G. Suhr, and Sgt. Detlef W. Ringler.[2]
References edit
- ^ "Lockheed WC-130H Hercules 65-0965 South China Sea". Aviation Safety Network. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 2011-06-19.
- ^ a b Tom Robison. Whiskey-Charlie! Retrieved on 2011-06-19.
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